A former amateur boxer who now lives in a care home has got back in the ring at the age of 80.

Despite living with dementia, Barry Gerlack, known as Baz, was still able to throw some punches despite not entering the ring for 50 years.

He has lived in Heathfield Court Care Home, Erith, since 2021 and wanted to box again as part of the home’s make a wish initiative.

The care home team organised for Baz to visit Nemesis Gym in Erith so that he could spar with gym owner Michael Tekyi.

The care home bought a pair of boxing gloves for Baz to wear which were similar to the ones he wore in the 1960s and now have pride of place in his room.

Baz, who first started boxing at London’s Bradfield Club at the age of 12, said that getting in the ring had “been a pure joy”.

He said: “I loved sparring with Michael, though he did have to remind me not to hit him and that it was shadowboxing only.

“Honestly, I was buzzing for the rest of the day.

“What an experience.”

Although Baz joined the club for access to the club’s showers – as his family only had a tin bath at home – he showed a real talent for the sport and won several schoolboy championships.

Then as a young man, his amateur boxing career took off and Baz would regularly spar with professional boxers, helping them to prepare for a big fight which won him the opportunity to turn pro.

Baz turned down the offer and decided to stay as an amateur as sparring with pros paid well which allowed him to continue to work his day job as a construction worker.

Several of Baz’s close family – including his sister, daughter, and granddaughter – joined him at the gym to see him box.

Baz’s daughter Zoe Kesward called the sparring session “phenomenal”.

She said: “It was the first time I’d seen my dad in a boxing ring, and it was quite emotional to see how happy he was to be doing something he once loved.”

Baz’s sister Diane Osborne added: “It was spectacular to see the joy it brought my brother as he stepped into the ring with his gloves on. It brought back great memories for him.”

Unfortunately, Baz’s son Danny Gerlack was not able to attend but has followed in his dad’s footsteps and is an amateur boxer.

Nicola Martin, manager at Heathfield Court, said it was great to see Baz’s family able to share the experience.

“We have created a close-knit, happy family, where our residents’ friends and family play an active role in their loved one’s life.

“Exercise and physical activity helps to maintain strong muscles and flexible joints, and Baz is always on the move.

“It can also help to improve memory and cognition, coupled with the fact that it is a sport that Baz is passionate about, the experience has been incredibly beneficial to his health and wellbeing.”